Elementary Gifted and Talented Program (Grades 3 - 5)
Using a thematic, interdisciplinary approach, students attend weekly workshops that stress the development of problem solving skills and the application of these skills to life situations.  Creative and critical thinking skills are encouraged using an interdisciplinary approach to researching, writing, communicating and evaluating.  Program, objectives also focus upon the student's self development, cooperative learning situation, development of leadership skills, independent study and cultural awareness.  Our current theme for the 2009 - 2010 school year is CULTURAL CONNECTIONS.

Purpose of Kindergarten Enrichment
Using a whole class instruction approach, students will develop higher order thinking skills through challenging and interactive literacy and math activities.  Throughout each lesson, the teacher will help identify students with high academic potential.


Purpose of Grade 1 Enrichment
Using a mini-theme approach, grade one students will be working on a character education, literacy, and math/science enrichment units lasting 4 - 7 weeks each.  Each area of study allows the classroom teacher to select students to participate that they feel would most benefit from enrichment in that area.  As they explore each unit, they will be building upon language arts literacy skills in those three areas of study which they will take back to the classroom.  Students will progress at their own rate through each mini-theme by using differentiated instruction and independent study as well as cooperative learning projects.


Purpose of Grade 2 Enrichment
Using an interdisciplinary approach, students will be working on themes of character education, weather,  dinosaurs and famous inventors and inventions.  As they explore each theme, students will be building upon language and literacy skills, higher order thinking skills, and developing a broad based knowledge in those four areas of study.   Ongoing self-selected vocabulary activities will occur on a weekly basis as part of the enrichment program.  The use of brain teasers and analogies will also be part of the program.
*At the conclusion of the final theme, famous inventors and inventions, students will be assigned to create an invention and share it with all of the PEP students in the district.

Upcoming Activities:
Back to School Night at Lakeside Middle School:  Wednesday, October 7th at 7:00pm
Colleen Blithe and Rosemay Lambert, GT and PEP teachers, will provide information for the 2009 - 2010 school year.  We will have a special guest speaker:  Donna Kortvelsey who will be presenting information on the importance of reading.

Wendy's Fundraiser:  Wednesday Oct. 21st from 4 - 8.
A percentage of food purchased will go to the GT department.  This includes both inside and the drive - thru. 

New York City Trip - Saturday December 5th
This is for 3rd, 4th , and 5th GT students and their families.

Trip to the Philadelphia Orchestra - Tuesday March 2, 2010 9:00 - 2:00
This is for GT students in grades 3, 4 and 5 at Bacon, Rieck Avenue and Silver Run schools.

GT Family Night - Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Silver Run Elementary School

GT Student - Parent Field Trip - An Amish Adventure Saturday May 8, 2010
Students and their parents will tour different areas of Lancaster, PA



Recommended Chapter Books for PEP
The following are great, funny and short chapter books by the author Jennifer Jacobson:
Andy Shane and the Very Bossy Dolores Starbuckle
Andy Shane and the Queen of Egypt
Andy Shane and the Pumpkin Trick
Winnie Dancing on Her Own
Truely Winnie




Thank you for visiting our website.  Feel free to e mail me at colleen.blithe@millvillenj.gov  should you have any questions!